Walnut Creek, Calif. (June 12, 2013) – The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, has re-designated John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek with Magnet® recognition status for quality and excellence in nursing. The Magnet Recognition Program® recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate excellence and adherence to national standards for the organization and delivery of nursing services.

Magnet recognition is the highest level of recognition that the ANCC can grant to a health care organization and honors the nursing staff at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek as one of the best in the nation. Both of John Muir Health’s medical centers are Magnet recognized, two of just six in Northern California and fewer than 400 in the world. John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek was originally honored in 2008 with John Muir Medical Center, Concord earning Magnet recognition in 2010.

“I’m tremendously proud of all of our nurses, physicians, staff and volunteers,” said Debbie Pendergast, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek. “We all share in this prestigious honor, which not only recognizes excellence in nursing, but also the outstanding multidisciplinary, collaborative teamwork we provide to our patients and the community.

“As a team, we work together, listen and explain with every patient, and always put the needs of our patients first, which is the essence of patient-centered care.”

To earn Magnet recognition, organizations must undergo a rigorous evaluation that includes an extensive application and review of patient care services, as well as a four day site visit that includes interviews with nurses, physicians, staff, administrators, board and community members. Research has demonstrated that Magnet hospitals offer a number of benefits to patients, including:

Improved care environments for patients and families

Better patient, physician and staff satisfaction

Patient-centered care with patients and families treated as partners

Reduced mortality

Lower registered nurse turnover and vacancy rates

Ability to hire more highly educated and qualified professional staff, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc., in a highly competitive environment.

“Magnet status sets John Muir Health apart from other hospitals and health systems and should give our patients confidence that they are receiving the very best care,” said Jane Willemsen, President and CAO, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek. “Our commitment to our patients, their family members, visitors and our community is to demonstrate every day why we are deserving of this prestigious honor.”

Magnet recognition is granted for four years and requires John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek to submit annual reports about continuing activities. Evidence of continuing progress and excellence is validated every four years to receive Magnet re-designation.